As workers marked May Day yesterday, governors across the states of the federation promised to prioritise staff welfare without commitment to paying the new minimum wage being demanded by the organised labour.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) made their demands for better welfare of workers in the face of biting economic hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and a volatile dollar to naira exchange rate.
Benue
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the welfare of workers in the state, pledging to sustain efforts aimed at improving their working conditions and overall well-being.
Speaking in Makurdi, he commended the workers for their significant contributions to the development of Benue State. He aligned his administration’s efforts with this year’s Labour Day theme: “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate,” saying he is focused on providing a conducive work environment, including the renovation of the State Secretariat and the provision of a dedicated 33KVA transformer to enhance operational efficiency. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prompt payment of salaries, clearance of owed arrears, and addressing issues related to promotions and allowances.
Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on his part restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of workers in the state, saying they deserved fair and adequate wages.
He said workers were entitled to a living wage, recognising their resilience and dedication in contributing to the state’s progress and development.
Governor Yahaya reiterated his commitment to fostering a conducive work environment and fostering harmonious relations with workers to enhance productivity and promote good governance.
He reaffirmed the government’s top priority of workers’ welfare, evident in the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as efforts to address the backlog of inherited gratuities for both state and local government retirees.
Akwa Ibom
Also, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has assured workers of his administration’s commitment to addressing their demands and improving their welfare, including implementing the national minimum wage once modalities are finalised by the federal government.
“I assure you that we will fulfill the promises we have made and address the various concerns you have raised. We remain committed to putting the people first in governance,” he said.
Adamawa
In Adamawa, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has restated his government’s dedication to implementing a new national minimum wage for workers, assuring a close monitoring of developments surrounding the wage and a commitment to fully implement the agreed-upon figure.
Represented by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta at Ribadu Square in Yola, Fintiri also disclosed that his administration has disbursed N3 billion for the payment of gratuities to retired workers in the state.
Ondo
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has also affirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers.
Speaking in Akure, he said, “In demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of workers in the state, our administration is prioritising regular payment of salaries and pensions, steady disbursement of gratuity, and clearance of salary backlogs.”
Nasarawa
In addition, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has pledged to enhance the welfare package for all civil servants in the state as they join their counterparts worldwide to commemorate this year’s Workers’ Day.
Addressing workers in Lafia, Sule assured of his administration’s commitment to consulting and engaging organised labour on workers’ welfare issues. Represented by the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Abigail Waya, he said his government is ready to sustain its labour-friendly approach and address workers’ challenges.
Bauchi
In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of workers and pensioners in the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Honourable Auwal Mohammed Jatau, at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Mohammed reiterated his administration’s track record of ensuring prompt payment of salaries and pensions, including the provision of one year leave grant to state civil servants since assuming office in 2019.
The governor assured workers of plans to further enhance the working environment for the state workforce and urged them to continue supporting the administration’s initiatives.
Governor Mohammed pledged to maintain the administration’s ongoing support for civil servants, highlighting recent measures such as the provision of wage award and restoration of the payment of Annual Leave Grant as deliberate efforts to provide relief to civil servants.
Kwara
Kwara State governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, represented by Chief of Staff Abdulkadir Mahe, has assured the workers of his government’s commitment to implementing another minimum wage once all processes are concluded. He acknowledged the crucial role of workers in governance and reiterated the administration’s efforts to mitigate the effects of recent policy reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidy, on the populace.
Responding to demands by organised labour, the governor assured of the government’s continuous review of responses within current realities to address the needs of workers and sustain socioeconomic development in the state.
Taraba
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, meanwhile, has commended civil servants in the state for their resilience and dedication to duty. Speaking through Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, the governor acknowledged the challenges faced by workers, particularly regarding their welfare, on this year’s Workers Day.
He, however, assured workers that their concerns are not overlooked, stating that his administration prioritises worker satisfaction in the Moving Forward agenda. He urged workers to uphold professionalism and the excellence for which the civil service is known throughout history.
Kebbi
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has directed the Secretary to the State Government and the Head of Service to establish a committee tasked with determining an affordable and meaningful minimum wage for civil servants in the state.
Speaking at the Haliru Abdul Township Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris expressed his commitment to ensuring that Kebbi State workers receive a fair wage. He said the state government would consult with the (NLC) to ensure that the committee delivers a wage structure that benefits state workers.
Governor Idris reiterated his administration’s dedication to the welfare of civil servants, highlighting the prompt payment of salaries on the 25th of every month, regardless of federal government allocations. He also announced recent salary increases for health workers and the allocation of funds to settle outstanding pension, gratuity, and leave grants.
Furthermore, the governor disclosed plans to employ 2,000 teachers in state schools to enhance the quality of education and elevate standards.
Kogi
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has commended the courage and resilience of state workers, acknowledging their contributions to the civil service and the state’s economy. He affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing policies that promote the rights of workers and ensure dignity in the workplace.
Apart from welfare, the Kogi State council of the NLC urged the governor to address the worsening insecurity situation in the state. Comrade Gabriel Amari called on the state government to intensify efforts in addressing the issue, recalling the loss of six workers in a recent herders’ attack in Omala Local Government.
Ebonyi
Also, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced an additional N10,000 monthly increment to the salaries of state workers. This marks the second time Governor Nwifuru has increased salaries by N10,000 since assuming office on May 29th, 2023. The announcement was made during the joint Workers’ Day celebration held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki.
Anambra
In Anambra State however, the May Day celebration took an unexpected turn as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) were embroiled in a rowdy session over Governor Charles Soludo’s silence on the issue of minimum wage and other worker-related concerns.
During the event held at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital, the organised labour appealed to the governor to expedite action on signing and implementing a new minimum wage. They also called for the reintroduction of the suspended N12,000 wage award, release of pending promotions, improved welfare for pensioners, and recruitment of more civil service staff, among other demands.
The governor, represented by the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, remained mute on the issue of staff welfare while highlighting his infrastructural projects and recent recruitment drives in the education and health sectors. This sparked dissent among the workers, leading to a tumultuous scene that lasted for about thirty minutes.
Edo
For Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, staff welfare is paramount on his agenda, announcing minimum wage increase from N40,000 to N70,000. He clarified that this adjustment was within the state’s financial capacity, but also expressed readiness to align with any higher minimum wage set by the federal government, provided funds are made available to states.
He also said 5000 new workers were employed into the state civil service over the past seven years.
From Hope Abah (Makurdi), Iniabasi Umo, (Uyo), Haruna Gimba Yaya (Gombe), Amina Abdullahi (Yola), Tosin Tope (Akure), Umar Muhammed (Lafia), Nabob Ogbonna (Abakiliki), Mumini Abdulkareem (Ilorin), Hassan Ibrahim (Bauchi), Magaji Isa Hunkuyi (Jalingo), Ismail Adebayo (Birnin Kebbi), Abubakar Akote (Minna), Tijani Labaran (Lokoja), Nabob Ogbonna (Abakiliki), Titus Eleweke (Awka) &Usman A. Bello (Benin)
